The Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District recognized Jerry Durham, of Durham Farms, as the 2016 Conservation Farm Family at the recent annual awards banquet. Jerry Durham is a life-long farmer, with his son, Dennis. They were one of the first farming operations who initiated the no-till best management practice to help conserve their soil. In addition to their long term no-till, the Durhams have installed grassed waterways, practice crop rotation on a regular basis, and have participated in the new soil health campaign by planting a mixture of grasses and legumes as cover crops. In addition, they have converted much of their highly erodible land into grasses and legumes to prevent soil erosion.

Photo: (l-r) Melanie and Dennis Durham with their children (front) Steven, Lanie and Jackson, and Jerry Durham and his wife Ann.